R. Barry Ulrich's music is written with neo-classic structures. It is lyrical, harmonically rich, eclectic and sometimes rhythmically complex.

He attended Los Angeles City College in 1958 where he studied compostion with Leonard Stein. He graduated with a B.A. in music from Long Beach State College in 1963. While there, he studied with Leon Dallin and Robert Tyndall. He is also a charter member of the Kappa Omicron chapter of PHI MU ALPHA fraternity.

Post graduate studies were at Los Angeles State College in 1964 studying composition with Byong-Kon Kim. At this time, he also received his California State teaching credential.

In 1965 he taught instrumental music at Belvedere Junior High in East Los Angeles, then moved to the Montebello Unified School District in 1967, teaching at Eastmont Junior High School.

He was band director at Montebello High School (1968-73) with award winning jazz, concert and marching bands. He moved to Schurr High School (1973-1986) building it's program with award winning jazz, concert and marching bands.

In 1970, Barry took the Montebello High School band and choir on a 6 week European tour under the auspices of the Foreign Study League, teaching and conducting concerts in Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Florence, Salzburg and Paris.